Tears of the Kingdom save data gone – how to fix

For anyone wondering how to fix the missing saved data issue in Tears of the Kingdom, then don’t worry, you’ve come to the right place.

Tears of the Kingdom is the latest title in the Legend of Zelda franchise. It is the sequel to Breath of the Wild and, with positive reviews flooding in, gamers are chomping at the bit to get their hands on the game. Whether it’s exploring Link’s new abilities, like Ultrahand and Fuse, or gallivanting around the new map, Tears of the Kingdom is shaping up to be every bit as game changing (forgive the pun) as it’s predecessor. With all that on offer though, the last thing gamers want is to lose their saved data and not know how to access it again. So, are there any fixes you can try?

Let’s get into it.

How to fix missing saved data in Tears of the Kingdom

Before we get started, bear in mind that if you are using a different console to play then your saved data will not show up. However it is still saved and will most likely appear if you run the game on your usual console again.

If this is not a situation that applies to you, then we’ve got a few handy “hacks” that you can try and use to fix the lost saved data issue.

1. Ensure that you are not logged in as a different User
2. Redownload the game
3. Attempt to save progress in a different game then reset console to factory settings

Ensure that you are not logged in as a different User

If there are multiple users on a single console then it is possible then you have logged onto the game using the wrong User account. We first recommend checking that you are using the correct account to access the game.

Redownload the game

Our second suggestion is to redownload the game. Fortunately, this is an easy process.

1. Navigate to the Home screen.
2. Then go to System settings > Data Management > Software.
3. Select Tears of the Kingdom.
4. Hit Delete Software > Delete.

You can then re-download the game by:

1. Open up the eShop.
2. On the left under Account Information, scroll down to Redownload.
3. Scroll through the games, then select Tears of the Kingdom by hitting the cloud button next to the game.

Attempt to save progress in a different game then reset console to factory settings

Finally if none of the above fixes have helped, then it might be worth verifying if this is happening with any other games. Open up a different game and attempt to save data there. If you are unable to then Nintendo recommend returning the console to factory settings. This can be done thus:

1. Switch the console off.
2. Press the + and – buttons simultaneously and press the Power button.
3. Keep hold of both volume buttons until the recovery mode menu appears.
4. Hit Restore Factory Settings Without Deleting Save Data.
5. If required enter your PIN.
6. Read the information when prompted. Then hit Next > Restore Factory Settings Without Deleting Save Data.

We’re going to keep a close eye on this issue and will update the page with new information as it comes in. Make sure to check back in periodically so you don’t miss anything.

Frequently Asked Questions

We know that this is an issue that many people have questions about. With that in mind, we’ve done our best here to answer some of your most pressing questions.

Can you back-up game data saves on Switch onto your PC?

If you have a MicroSD card and a compatible MicroSD card reader then yes, you will be able to back-up your saved game data from your Switch onto you PC.

Is save data stored on the SD card with Switch?

No. Game save data is stored on the system memory rather than a game card or additional microSD card.